Australian news, and some related international items

Senate climate report is a warning for Australia’s military

Climate change warning for Australia’s military Former defence chief Admiral Chris Barrie, who led Australian forces until 2002, says a new Senate committee report on the security risks of climate change must be taken seriously. SBS World News, By James Elton-Pym , 18 May 18

A former chief of Australia’s armed forces has warned a mass migration of climate refugees could one day “overwhelm” the Navy’s attempts at border control if the country fails to respond to the threat of climate change.

Admiral Chris Barrie told SBS News there could be “catastrophic consequences” from rising sea levels if the worst-case scenarios were realised, with a number of low-lying military bases at risk of damage in the coming years.

“I think the time for action is now urgently upon us,” he said.

Despite the dire warning, the admiral said he was “impressed” by a series of recommendations in a new Senate committee report, released on Thursday, and encouraged the government to take heed.

He also praised the current generation of military generals who “fully understood” the nature of the threat.

The Senate inquiry heard evidence from climate change groups who warned rising seas could inflame terrorism and maritime disputes in the Asia Pacific, as competition for shrinking resources intensified.

The Climate Council said the rises could even “intensify” disputes in the South China Sea, as low-lying islands were submerged and eroding beaches led to changes in deeply controversial sea borders.